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Permit to Carry a Handgun

On May 24, 2005, Governor Tim Pawlenty signed legislation into law reinstating the 2003 Minnesota Personal Protection Act. Therefore, effective immediately, all Hennepin County residents who want to apply for a permit to carry a handgun must do so through the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.

Gun Permit Applications (Permits to Carry for Hennepin County residents and out of state applicants. Permit to Purchase for residents of the cities of Greenfield, Hanover, Medicine Lake and Rockford.)

Applications are accepted from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (except for government holidays) at the main Gun Permit Unit Office.

The Gun Permit Unit also operates satellite offices from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. one day per month at each Enforcement Services Division (ESD) site and at the Richfield Police Department. These locations accept permit to carry applications, personal information changes and replacement card requests. Certain permit to purchase applications will also be accepted at the ESD sites.

The ESD Water Patrol Unit is located at:4141 Shoreline DriveSpring Park, MN 55384

*On the days when Water Patrol, Patrol Unit, or Richfield Police are acceptping applications, the main Gun Permit Unit Office in Minneapolis will continue to keep its usual hours. For questions, please contact the Gun Permit Unit at 612-348-8008 with any questions.

The process for applying for a new or for renewing an existing Permit to Carry a Pistol in the State of Minnesota in Hennepin County is as follows (MN Statute 624.714):

The applicant must appear in person and apply in the county in which they reside. Out of state residents can apply at any sheriff’s office.

The applicant must have taken an authorized firearms training course within one year prior to the application.

The applicant must present the original certificate of completed authorized firearms training along with a legible copy. Applicant must also present a current, valid driver’s license, state identification card or the photo page of their passport along with a legible copy of whichever is presented. If using a passport, proof of current residency must be provided along with a legible copy. If renewing, the current permit along with a legible copy, must be presented.

Cash, check or money orders are accepted. No credit cards or debit cards will be accepted. The fee for a new permit to carry is $100.00, a renewal (application submitted up to 90 days before expiration) is $75.00, and a late renewal (application submitted within 30 days of expiration) is $85.00.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office requires the following guidelines for the renewal of a Permit to Carry a Pistol in the State of Minnesota (MN Statute 624.714):

Any 5 year permit expires at 12:00 A.M. midnight, on the date of expiration shown on the permit.

The applicant must appear in person and renew in the county in which they reside. Out of state residents can renew at any sheriff’s office.

When renewing a permit, applicants must present evidence that they have received approved training in the safe use of a pistol within one year prior to the date of the renewal application.

A permit can be renewed up to 90 days prior to the expiration date of the current permit. The renewal gun permit fee will be $75.00.

After the expiration date, but within 30 days after the expiration, the permit can still be renewed by paying an additional late fee of $10.00. During this time the old permit is not valid and you will not be able to carry until after you receive your renewal permit.

31 days after expiration the old permit can no longer be renewed. An application will have to be submitted for a new permit. The gun permit fee will then be $100.00.

NOTE: If your current permit were to expire before you receive your new permit, you would not be valid. Expired permits are not valid regardless of whether you have applied for a renewal.

Applicants are reminded that the Sheriff’s Office has 30 days to process and mail a permit or to deny the application.

Change of Personal InformationThe Hennepin County Sheriff's Office processes all changes of name or address for all permits issued by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office through the expiration date of the permit.

To update information in person and receive a new card: The application for information change can be done in person. Applicant must present their current permit and current, valid identification reflecting the new information and fill out page 1 of the application form. The fee for a new updated permit card is $10.00. Applicant will be provided with a temporary permit/receipt.

To update information by mail and receive a new card:The application for information change may also be completed by mail. Applicant must complete, sign, and mail page 1 of the application along with a copy of their current permit card and a copy of their current, valid identification reflecting the new information. Mail these items along with a check made payable to HCSO in the amount of $10.00 to:

In the case of a lost or stolen handgun-carry permit, a duplicate permit may be obtained for a fee of $10.00. The application for a duplicate permit must be presented in person at the Permit to Carry Office.